Contact phone/text # (415) 763-8638
Contact email: drake@techwithdrake.com
Over the years, I’ve worked directly with users to troubleshoot and resolve a wide range of desktop issues—both in professional environments and in one-on-one settings. From software glitches and hardware failures to performance tuning and system updates, I’ve handled just about every type of desktop support challenge. That hands-on experience has shaped how I approach support today: with a focus on clarity, patience, and making sure the user feels confident in their technology.
Behind that personal approach is over three decades of professional IT experience. As the lead desktop technician and manager for a facility with over 4,000 systems, I was responsible not just for day-to-day support but for building the standards that kept everything running smoothly. I developed hardening guides, implemented security protocols, and shaped best practices to ensure stability, efficiency, and protection across the organization.
Cloud technology has become an essential part of everyday life, and I’ve spent years helping people make sense of it—whether it’s setting up cloud file sharing, organizing cloud photo libraries, or making sure important emails and files are always accessible and safely backed up. I regularly work with services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and a variety of cloud-based email and backup tools, helping clients keep their documents, photos, and memories secure and easy to find on any device.
Beyond helping home users, I have extensive experience managing cloud infrastructure for large organizations, including designing and supporting Windows server environments in Microsoft Azure. I’ve overseen cloud-based solutions for secure file storage, virtual servers, and managed cloud backups for thousands of servers. This combination of hands-on help for individuals and deep technical expertise with enterprise cloud platforms gives me a broad perspective on what works best for every situation.
A strong, secure network is the backbone of any modern home or business—and I’ve spent years designing and managing them. From VLAN segmentation and firewall configuration to secure VPNs and mesh Wi-Fi systems, I build networks that are fast, reliable, and built to scale. I’ve worked extensively with Ubiquiti UniFi systems, among others, which are ideal for small and mid-size businesses looking for enterprise-grade performance without enterprise complexity.
For homes, I’ve worked with just about every brand of networking gear out there, helping people get better coverage, faster speeds, and more stable connections—whether it’s for work, streaming, or smart home devices. Over the years, my hands-on experience has included troubleshooting connectivity issues, optimizing wireless performance, and setting up secure, dependable networks for a wide range of environments.
A big part of my experience has been helping families and home users protect their personal files and photos. I’ve set up home NAS systems for those who need extra space or want local central access to family files, media, and backups. Alongside local storage, I’ve helped people use cloud storage like Google Drive and iCloud for convenience, but I always stress the importance of true backups. That’s why I’ve worked extensively with services like iDrive and Carbonite, making sure entire computers and NAS devices are automatically and securely backed up offsite. Having a solid backup plan means your data is protected, no matter what happens.
On the enterprise side, I’ve architected and managed large-scale storage and backup environments supporting thousands of users and virtual machines. My experience includes designing robust NAS and SAN infrastructures, as well as deploying backup solutions using tools like Commvault, Veritas, and Veeam. No matter the size or complexity, I’ve always focused on reliability, security, and making sure critical data is recoverable—whether it’s a family photo collection or an entire organization’s records.
Over the years, I’ve designed, built, and managed server environments that power everything from small office file shares to enterprise-scale medical systems. My server experience spans physical and virtual platforms, including VMware, Windows Server, and Linux. I’ve led infrastructure projects supporting thousands of users—handling everything from initial planning and procurement to configuration, security hardening, and ongoing performance tuning.
What sets me apart is a balance of deep technical skill and real-world experience. I don’t just follow best practices—I’ve written them. I’ve developed server standards and deployment models adopted across multiple organizations, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and scalable. Whether it’s setting up a basic file server for a home office or maintaining critical infrastructure for a larger organization, I focus on long-term stability and practical solutions that work in the real world.
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